Honestly, I can’t believe we are already in April! I can’t believe it so much that I first published my preview post with calling it the March 10 on the 10th Preview! Thanks to everyone who let me know! I am going to blame it on Mercury being in retrograde. It ended April 7th (the date I published the preview) so all should be good right now! I really thought this would be an easy one. I mean, who doesn’t like diamonds in one form or another, right? But, once again, it was difficult coming up with ten things, diamond related. So, if you struggled, please know same, girl, same!
Diamonds are the birthstone for April. Tell us about ten “Diamonds” in your life, real or still in the rough!
Without further ado…
My dad bought my mom a pair of diamond earrings for some reason decades ago. She kept them in their little box and tucked them up inside the trim of the bathroom closet. Little did she know that I knew they were there! Over the years, she acquired three more “sets” of diamonds. A few years before she died, she passed these on to each of us. I received those diamond earrings and wear them almost every day. At one point, I told her I was going to give each of my sons an earring to make into an engagement ring. Her response kinda surprised me because Mom was not sentimental. She didn’t want them broken up. In fact, she wanted them to go to my daughter as a pair of earrings. And, that’s exactly what I’ll do with them.
I am a brat. I am shallow, and I am superficial. Whew! Now, that that’s out of the way. Let’s get on with it. Nigel bought the diamond for my engagement ring from one of his younger brothers (who had gotten it back when his engagement was broken). Nigel had it reset, and I wore it before and after our wedding. But, the idea that it had belonged to someone else really bothered me. For our 20th anniversary, he bought me a new diamond ring. It’s been reset once as the previous setting was wearing thin.
Three or four years ago, Nigel surprised me yet again. As I wrote in a post a week or so ago, he’s given me lots of gifts over the years, including a Saturn Sky! But, I’d yearned, begged, and nagged for a really big pair of diamond earrings. One Saturday, we went off on a drive and ended up at a jewelry store. He told the sales associate what he wanted, and she brought out two beautifully cut, very clear 1.5 carat diamonds. Those were soon made into earrings, and I wear them as often as possible. The only problem is my hair usually covers them up.
Years ago, I fell in love with a ring at Tiffany’s. Nigel told me I could buy it on the day he died! So, we started calling it the Death Day ring. The Christmas before I retired, Nigel took me to Tiffany’s with the intent of buying that ring! I was shocked! Well, after trying it on and looking at it, I decided the price definitely didn’t warrant the purchase. On top of that, it kinda hurt. There were little Xs that poked into the fingers on either side of the ring. Plus the price had doubled since I’d first seen it! We began to look around to find something I liked. Eventually, I found this diamond anniversary ring that was just perfect. It’s comfortable and doesn’t poke the fingers on either side. And, it was about 1/8th price of the Death Day ring. Nigel told me he decided he didn’t want me to wait until he was dead to have the ring. I’m glad he decided that because I would never have bought a ring to celebrate his death!
The last real diamond I’m sharing is my Mom ring. I am definitely my mother’s daughter. When Dad died, she bought herself a large diamond ring. When she passed, I bought a diamond ring with part of my inheritance. Every time I wear it, I’m reminded of that vibrant and sassy woman.
A diamond in the rough is definitely Nigel. He may not know what spoon or fork to use at a fancy dinner (nor do I), but he knows what makes me laugh. He has some little idiosyncrasies that drive me nuts. But, if I haven’t changed them in 50 years, I guess I’d better give up!
Another diamond in the rough is my blog. I know there are things I could and should do to make it look a little more professional. I could even make it earn its own keep. But, that’s not why I blog. I started blogging to learn something new. Trust me, I’ve learned a lot! I also got lucky and fell into the right blog neighborhood! I have made so many blog friends!
The next diamond in the rough is my yard. I have a limited amount of space in which I can plant things. But, I’m working at creating a place where pollinators flit and fly as well as providing different colors throughout most of the year. I love planting something one year and waiting to see it emerge from the ground after winter. That’s where I am right now, waiting to see what comes back.
My house is probably the next diamond in the rough. It’s a nice home, but I need to put more of my stamp on it. With Nigel out of commission at this point, I can’t do some of the things I want to do. Honestly, I’m not even sure what I want to do. I’d like to add some beadboard because a house without beadboard is not a Marsha House!
Ah, the final diamond in the rough is definitely me! I’m a work in progress. I make mistakes all the time. I spend too much money. I waste time when I could be doing something more productive. I could go on and on, but I’m going to stop there. Let’s just say I’m not perfect!
Wrap it up, Marsha!
Well, last month, I promised April would be an easy one. I guess I broke that promise or maybe not. I found it to be really tough. I know I’m very lucky to have received the diamonds I have. The problem with them is I need to figure out what happens when…you know…the inevitable happens. So, can we talk? Are you like Marilyn, and believe, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend?” Have you inherited any diamonds with very special meanings? Do you have a special diamond in the rough story? Please leave a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as soon as possible.
Affiliate links, discount codes and such:
Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support. Use Marsha12 for 12% off any order of $65 or more at Buykud. I have also become a Halftee Partner. Use the code, MARSHA2098, for 20% off any purchase. I am also an affiliate with Clara Sunwoo. You can use my code, MARSHA10, for 10% off your entire order. In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.
Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, Suzy Turner, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish as well as the Senior Salon Pit Stop (Esme’s Salon) and Slices of Life. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
Don’t have a blog…
Don’t worry! You can always leave all or some of your answers in the comments! If you don’t want to do that, you might discover a new blog! Blog friends, if you’d rather not participate, please share this party with others so we have lots of links!
And, now, it’s your turn!
Please link up your favorite 10 on the 10th posts as well as baking, cooking, decorating, fashion, DIY! If there’s a category I’ve left out and it’s family friendly, please feel free to include it! Please do visit some of the links! If you don’t have a blog, here is your chance to find a new one! You can also drop all or some of your answers in the comments!
You are such an entertaining writer Marsha! I can understand you wanting your own diamond – I am glad you got it!
I laughed about the Death Day ring! How sweet that Nigel surprised you and isn’t that just how it goes? You pine away for something and then when you can get it you end up not wanting it!
We’re all diamonds in the rough, aren’t we? My blog is 9 years old (next week) and is still very rough. I admire your reasons why you blog and how hard you work – I think you do a great job!
xo,
Kellyann
Thanks, Kellyann! And, Happy Anniversary on your blog which is not rough at all. I appreciate the compliments re: my blog. It’s not really a hobby and not really a job. It just is.
We laughed a lot over the years about the Death Day ring…except Mike was dead serious (pardon the pun). I told him there was no way I’d buy something to celebrate his death. He had made arrangements at Tiffany’s for me to try it on and even had the money in hand. When I saw the price tag, I just couldn’t justify it for a couple of reasons. It really did hurt, and the diamonds weren’t even graded. So, I ended up with something that is much more me.
I like diamonds, I like sparkle, and even if the “diamonds” in my own post are less sparkly, I have a few diamond jewelry pieces myself. They are not my best friends, but they too hold memories and they are beautiful.
I loved reading your stories, Marsha, because they confirm that – the diamonds are memories and they are beautiful.
Gundel and der Dekan are a little concerned that you didn’t list the most important and flawless diamond of all. They want you to let Jack know he can call them anytime if he needs to talk!
https://catswire.blogspot.com/
Thanks, Cat! I didn’t include Jack because he’s not a diamond in the rough. He’s the real deal. So, I guess I should have included him. Shame on me. Tell Gundel and der Dekan he is fine and threw up on my toes in revenge this morning. Some mornings, he decides to nibble on the wet grass which then tickles his throat. It’s not fun!
I often ask Mike if he remembers buying me something, and he rarely does. I do know he’ll remember buying the big earrings and the anniversary ring (well, maybe not that one). But, I remember, and that’s important to me. I can tell you about lots of items in my home…when I got them; where I got them; and even who got them for me. My love language is gifts! But, I do think the stories are important. I need to make a list of my good jewelry and maybe include the story of their receipt. Then, I need to let the kids fight it out over them! Hahaha!!!
Gundel and der Dekan are very glad that Jack jumped into action right away, lol!
Hahaha!!!
What a sweet post! And you remind me I must go write mine…
Thank you, Anne! I hope you’ll link up when you write it!
Pingback:Rings, Bracelets and Fun Earrings - Trading Ashes for Beauty
As an Aries girl, I’m all about the sparkle of diamonds. I don’t wear mine too often these days, but you’ve inspired me to take them out. I truly enjoyed reading your remembrances about your mom and her feelings about her diamonds and how she wanted them to “go forward”.
Thank you, Allison! I was truly surprised when Mom told me not to break up the set of earrings. But, they are definitely going to my daughter and then onto her daughter, I imagine. I have so many diamonds and forget to wear them. I actually had a set (earrings and necklace) stolen out of my jewelry box when we moved the last time. I didn’t catch it until a year later when I was looking for them. That person also stole money out of my wallet. But, life goes on, and I hope he truly needed the money.
I always love the concept that we are all Works in Progress, but maybe I’ll use the term Diamond in the Rough…it’s a much better description.
And your husband is right…no sense waiting until he’s dead to get the ring!!!
XOOX
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! I swear we joked about the Death Day ring for probably ten years. I was shocked when he wanted to buy it for me. Yes, we are definitely works in progress or diamonds in the rough…that’s what makes us unique, too!
oh this one is a hard let me think about this because I love diamonds but I am always afraid to lose them so I do the fake ones a lot. Diamonds are our best friends though so let me see what I can come up with. My home is a diamond also I want to decorate it but I always change my mind so I keep it blank lol
I love your responses to 10 on the 10th, Kita! I just read your post and agree with almost all of them. My oldest granddaughter was born in April as were my mom and little sister! Thanks for coming by!
Pingback:April 10 on the 10th - Kita Bryant
I want a death day diamond! Lol! Love what your mom’s diamond earrings stand for. I can see why she wanted them to stay together.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you, Kathrine! Now that I think of it, he probably did that on purpose! I honestly was shocked when we walked into Tiffany’s all ready to buy it! I was surprised at my mom’s reaction…she just wasn’t sentimental at all about most things. I think, because Dad gave these to her, that they were extra special.
Hi, Marsha – I enjoy your chats. A lot of what you said about the diamond ring from your mother and your husband buying you the diamond ring you wanted – was parallel to my own story. Also about making mistakes. Haha! I especially love what you said about your husband being a diamond in the rough. Same with mine. We’ve been married 43 years next month. Very creative post! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and providing a link up – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
Thanks, Angie! I felt a little weird sharing all of that about the diamonds when I know some people struggle. But, except for the large diamond earrings, the others are all over a decade old and some at least two decades! Happy early anniversary! We will hit 49 this year, and I can hardly believe it.
I love that all of your diamonds have special meaning behind them! My parents gave my husband my great-grandmother’s engagement ring to make my engagement ring with the diamond. Then he had an aquamarine put in the original setting so I could wear both. My house, yard, and self are all diamonds in the rough too! I think that’s okay because if they weren’t works in progress, it might be a little boring.
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thanks, Jill! What a beautiful thing to do! I’m sure that makes your ring extra special. Oh, I like that…if we aren’t works in progress, we’d be boring. You are so right!
I don’t own many diamond pieces. It’s nice to learn the story behind other people’s precious pieces of jewelry. It makes them more meaningful!